FACES of Memphis: Christy Muller
Known for the custom-fit experience she provides busy women who like to shop, Christy Mueller’s stand-out quality in retail is her ability to create a fashion niche made up of women just like her.
Simply vogue—an apt description for Christy Muller and her approach to fashion. She can pull together a couture-inspired wardrobe at a guilt-free price point in a minimal amount of time. Christy, owner of two women’s boutiques— Therapy in Oxford, Mississippi, and More Therapy in Memphis—interprets high fashion for the style-, time- and budget-conscious shopper. Her stores, as the names suggest, take the stress out of shopping.
Christy’s approach to retail is indicative of the balance that underlies her personality and lifestyle. She is always tastefully put together, personable and on task. High energy plus organization are also required in this scenario, of course!
We’re delighted to welcome Christy as our FACE of Memphis today!
Have you always called Memphis “home”?
Yes. I was born in Memphis on March 17, 1973. I graduated from Hutchison and then from Ole Miss.
Describe your path towards owning two women’s boutiques.
I opened Therapy Oxford in 2000. My husband and I both went to Ole Miss, and I knew there was a need for a shoe boutique. There were always cute clothing stores in Oxford while we were at Ole Miss, but there was never anywhere to buy cute shoes. I had just found out I was pregnant with my first child and wasn’t teaching school anymore, so I decided that I might as well try this. In 2005, right after the birth of my second child (there may be a trend here). I knew Memphis needed a better shoe boutique with more affordable price points.
What do you enjoy most about your work?
I just love having something to call my own. I LOVE going to market every other month–it’s lots of work, but fun work! I can’t wait to get to Atlanta and see the latest trends for every season!
Describe your family and how your career choice and family life complement each other.
I have been married for 15 years to my best friend. We have two girls, Meggy 13, Aggie 7. Both girls are fashionistas and they LOVE having the store. They enjoy going there and working, and they seem to always come home with something! Can’t wait for my girls to grow up and do what I do every day. They will LOVE it!!!
What activities are currently underway at the Therapy stores?
We are working on a website, a newsletter and making our Facebook page more exciting. The Memphis store has taken a turn towards more clothing rather than shoes. Everyone loves our clothing price point, and we can’t seem to keep clothing in the store. We will always have shoes in Memphis but have tons more clothing than we have ever had!
What did you see at market for spring and summer 2013? Any must-have fashion item for this season on your personal list?
We love all the bright, fun colors. They are so refreshing! Neon, neon, neon and the 80s are back! I want me Too chunky heels with neon green trim. LOVE them!
How do you stay ahead in the fast-paced fashion market and then deliver current trends to both stores in a timely manner?
I attend market in Atlanta every other month. I now manage the Memphis store and have a full-time manager for the Oxford store. We both are the buyers for Oxford, and I am the buyer for Memphis.
What are some basic words of wisdom you can offer based on your professional experience?
If you have an idea of something you want to do, just go for it and put everything you have into it! If you own a retail business, you HAVE to be there; the customer always loves to see you working the floor.
Do you have a specific mentor? How has that person influenced you?
My mom. I’m an only child, and she raised me as a single mother since I was two and never complained about it. I am the person I am today because of her!
How do you maintain balance, unwind or recharge your battery?
THE BEACH! I live for my beach vacation every summer; that keeps me going through the year! I look forward to fall break, spring break and summer break! AND I love my weekends at Pickwick Lake–nothing better! I play tennis and love Pure Barre. And I always get off of work in time to drive carpool. I NEVER work on a Saturday unless it’s an emergency! I live by my calendar on my phone. I’m super organized!
Favorite escape or guilty pleasure?
The Mayan Riviera, Mexico and fried oysters.
Are there any charitable organizations where you volunteer your time or support? What’s meaningful about this outreach to you?
I am very active in the Junior League. It’s an amazing group of women who do SO much for our community! I volunteer all the time at my girls’ school. They love seeing me there, and it makes me feel good to give back to a place that is their second home.
What books are you reading, or have you most enjoyed reading lately?
I love my easy beach reading $.99 books on my Kindle. They take zero brain work, and it totally relaxes me (and they only cost $.99!).
Do you have a playlist of favorite music for a dinner party or a workout that you can recommend?
My seventh grader makes my playlists for me, so whatever she makes is what I work out to. I also LOVE 80s cardio on Pandora!
What three light-hearted things or luxuries could you not live without?
My nightly bath, robe and slippers, and my Michelob Ultras. (How boring is that!)
Favorite beauty product you can’t imagine not using?
Grape seed oil and my blue jar of Nivea cream
Any special events you’re looking forward to in the next few months?
Or NOT looking forward to… My 40th birthday on St. Patricks Day!!!
Thank you, Christy, and an early “Happy Birthday” this month! For more information about More Therapy, visit the Facebook page: www.facebook.com.
And thank you to Christen Jones, our talented photographer for today’s Faces story!
